Chapter 4

One Police Plaza

Peter arrived at MCS shortly after Detectives Benson and Stabler had been ushered into a conference room by Alex. He made a b-line to greet Alex but Bobby popped up rather suddenly in front of him.

"Oh, hey- what's up?" he said slightly surprised.

"Not much- you got that e-mail started?"

"Yep, where would you like me to hook up the laptop?"

"We've got everybody gathered in the conference room," replied Bobby. He showed him to the conference room where Peter plugged in the laptop he had brought with him and began to fill everyone in in an almost brief-like manner.

"I've got an online e-mail account set up for in which I have typed an e-mail to our scammer. Here are slips of paper with the login information." He passed around a pile of slips of paper and then pulled up the e-mail. "Alex, would you like to do the honors?"

Alex walked over to the laptop and began to read in a sweet voice "Dear Sam, I heard about your church from a very dear friend of mine, Sarah, and I would also love to contribute to your cause. I heard you were coming to town to meet her, but she did not say when. Perhaps I could also meet you to donate to your church while Sarah is here. I hope it is not too late, Lexy. Lexy?"

"Had to change your name up a bit. What do you guys think? It's short, sweet, and to the point. While it clearly says she heard about him through Sarah, it still indicates that she has no idea Sarah has already made the trip and is missing/dead. Anybody see any problems?"

"It's a little stiff," said Alex.

"I honestly doubt this guy will catch it. It's dangling food- he may be smart, but greed is definitely still the motivation, and we have to count on that clouding his vision a little. This guy is already very confident with himself. He's gotten away with it five times already- he probably thinks he's invincible at this point," replied Bobby. Peter shifted in his chair.

It was Eliot's turn to speak up. "It's gonna have to work. Olivia and I have to step out, we've got another rape we're investigating. You guys officially have the case, right?"

"Yes," replied Alex.

"Ok then, you'll keep us posted when you get something?"

"Yep."

"Thanks." Eliot and Olivia got out of their chairs and left.

Peter turned his blonde head back to Bobby and Alex who were still at the table. "Well?" he asked.

"Send it."

Home of Peter K. Ballons

P.K. pulled out his keys and slowly unlocked the door to his apartment. There were Internet magazines strewn on every available surface. The walls were white and had posters from various art festivals and there was a water purifier on the counter next to the sink. After grabbing a glass getting water from the pitcher he sat down at his computer and logged on.

He opened up his e-mail to find 1 new message. He read it, hit the reply button, and then began to type: Hi Lexy, thank you for your sweet interest in my poor church. Sarah is already here and has already given me her donation, bless her. However, I shall be in town for 1 more week as in order for my church to be able to afford this trip we had to make it long to get a cheaper round trip ticket. If you can make it within this time I can meet you to retrieve the money for our church. May I ask how much money you will be able to donate? My phone number in New York is xxx-xxx-xxxx, but please e-mail me to set up a time if you wish to talk. Thank you and bless you, Samuel.

One Police Plaza

Alex was surfing the internet when a little ding through the speakers told her she had mail. She opened up the window with the yahoo account and immediately said "Hey Bobby, we got a reply."

He got up, went to her side of the desk, and read it over her shoulders.

"Ooh- I want to mess with this guy so bad," said Alex with a tone of aggravation crossed with anticipation.

"Sorry, maybe you can go fishing some other time," smiled Bobby. "Are you gonna put a trace on that phone line?"

"Yep…One week huh? Guess that means I have to go shopping."

Bobby gave her a boyish grin.